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    Matthew HarriganThe Benchmark Company LLC

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (STRZ) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (STRZ) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan questioned the confidence in reviving 'Spartacus' after twelve years, asking how it would resonate with STARZ's core urban and female demographics. He also inquired about the early nature of the post-separation business relationship with Lionsgate Television.

    Answer

    President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch affirmed that there is immense and persistent audience demand for 'Spartacus,' confirmed by market research and social media engagement. He noted the new series will feature an African American female gladiator to broaden its appeal to core demos. Regarding Lionsgate, Hirsch described the relationship as 'great' and productive, citing a smooth, arm's-length collaboration on new projects like the 'Power' prequel 'Origins.'

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (STRZ) leadership • Q4 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan of The Benchmark Company LLC inquired about innovations in marketing to reach the 80 million TAM and the company's perspective on generative AI tools for content creation.

    Answer

    President & CEO Jeffrey Hirsch and President of Domestic Networks Alison Hoffman detailed their dynamic marketing approach, which involves constant A/B testing across various platforms and has reduced subscriber acquisition costs by nearly 50%. Regarding AI, Hirsch stated STARZ is a 'fast follower' on the content side but is more focused on leveraging AI for data analysis to improve customer acquisition, retention, and content scheduling.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to VEON Ltd (VEON) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to VEON Ltd (VEON) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan of The Benchmark Company LLC questioned VEON's strategy for unlocking the valuation of its fast-growing digital businesses and asked for perspective on how generative AI's impact might differ in frontier markets versus developed economies.

    Answer

    Group CEO Kaan Terzioğlu stated that while value crystallization is an opportunity, the immediate focus is on growing digital revenues to over 20% of the total. He described VEON's AI strategy as creating an 'AI generation telco' that uses localized LLMs to provide augmented skills and services, moving beyond connectivity to enhance customers' lives.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to VEON Ltd (VEON) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan of The Benchmark Company LLC questioned VEON's valuation, suggesting the market undervalues both its core telecom and fast-growing digital businesses, and asked about potential financial engineering like a tracking stock to unlock value. He also inquired about the impact of generative AI in frontier markets.

    Answer

    Group CEO Kaan Terzioğlu acknowledged the value crystallization opportunity but stated the timing is not yet right, preferring to wait until digital revenues exceed 20% of the total. On AI, he described a strategy of providing 'augmented skill sets' to customers through local language models and agentic AI tools, moving beyond selling data to enhancing users' capabilities.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to VEON Ltd (VEON) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan of The Benchmark Company LLC questioned how VEON plans to unlock the valuation of its fast-growing digital businesses and inquired about the impact of generative AI in frontier markets versus developed economies.

    Answer

    CEO Kaan Terzioğlu acknowledged the valuation disconnect and suggested that once digital services surpass 20% of total revenue, the company may explore structures to crystallize their value. Regarding AI, he described it as "augmented intelligence" that will create new value propositions by enhancing user skill sets through localized LLMs, moving beyond simple connectivity or digital service sales.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to CSG Systems International Inc (CSGS) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to CSG Systems International Inc (CSGS) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan of The Benchmark Company, LLC posed two questions: one on CSG's realistic perspective on the maturation of AI versus market hype, and another on the opportunity to fix complex billing system integrations for telecom clients.

    Answer

    CEO Brian Shepherd stated that CSG is becoming more bullish on AI's ability to accelerate profitability, expecting it to help reach the upper end of margin targets faster than previously thought. CFO Hai Tran addressed the second question, noting that while billing conversions are major decisions for clients, the trend towards digital simplification and SaaS-based technology is a business imperative that plays to CSG's strengths and is driving sales wins.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to CSG Systems International Inc (CSGS) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan asked about CSG's M&A strategy, including ideal targets and valuation views, and the competitive imperative for major clients like Charter and Comcast to adopt unified billing.

    Answer

    CEO Brian Shepherd stated that while CSG feels no pressure to do a deal, it sees an active M&A market. Ideal targets are SaaS technology companies that accelerate CSG's core monetization and engagement strategy, or highly-accretive scale deals. Regarding his largest clients, he noted that the trend toward converged billing is a global phenomenon driven by competitive pressure to simplify operations and lower costs, and CSG aims to provide innovative solutions to support these efforts.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to CSG Systems International Inc (CSGS) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan questioned how CSG's confidence in the benefits of AI has changed recently, both for its own business and the broader economy. He also asked about any concerns related to government business or heightened foreign exchange volatility.

    Answer

    CEO Brian Shepherd stated CSG focuses on practical AI applications like 'Bill Explainer.ai' to reduce customer churn and call center costs, rather than hype. CFO Hai Tran added that CSG leverages partners for AI tools and expects costs to decrease, driving internal automation and efficiency. Tran also confirmed the company has minimal direct exposure to U.S. government contracts and Shepherd affirmed no concerns about the 2025 revenue guidance related to these factors.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to CSG Systems International Inc (CSGS) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan questioned the sustainability of margin expansion, asking if long-term contracts with major clients like Comcast could limit future margin increases and if continued diversification could lead to a further upward reset in margin targets.

    Answer

    CEO Brian Shepherd asserted that the company expects to operate within and progress through its new 18-20% adjusted operating margin range. He clarified that major customer contracts are not a drag on margins; rather, the profitability is a direct result of R&D investments that deliver significant value to these clients. He emphasized that CSG's product-based model is designed to reward innovation with both top-line and bottom-line growth.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Zoom Communications Inc (ZM) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Zoom Communications Inc (ZM) leadership • Q1 2026

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan inquired about Zoom's approach to developing its own language models and how advancements in algorithms are affecting the business, both in terms of cost efficiency and new opportunities.

    Answer

    CEO Eric Yuan described Zoom's 'federated AI approach,' which combines its own proprietary models with integrations from partners like OpenAI and Anthropic. He explained that significant optimization work allows Zoom to offer the core AI Companion for free by balancing cost and value. He noted the paid custom AI Companion's cost is driven more by system integration than by the underlying AI models.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Zoom Communications Inc (ZM) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan from Benchmark inquired about whether emerging AI regulations in the U.S. or Europe could potentially dampen Zoom's innovation.

    Answer

    CEO Eric Yuan stated that Zoom is taking a very responsible approach to AI and has seen extremely limited impact from regulation so far. He reiterated the company's core policy of not using any customer data to train its AI models, which builds trust and aligns with customer expectations. He noted that while the company monitors the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, it has not affected their ability to deliver features like meeting summaries.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Latin America Ltd (LILA) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Latin America Ltd (LILA) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan asked about the impact of Puerto Rico's macro environment, including federal subsidies and political issues, on the business and inquired about internal EBITDA targets. He also questioned the potential risk from a change in the U.S. administration.

    Answer

    CEO Balan Nair described Puerto Rico's macro environment as good, with rational competitors and a stable population. He noted that while declining FCC funds impacted past revenue, the business is not heavily dependent on subsidies now. He expressed confidence in a turnaround by fixing internal issues and leveraging strong network assets. Regarding politics, he stated they see no negative impact on the ground and that the local governor is a strong Trump supporter.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Latin America Ltd (LILA) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan from The Benchmark Company asked about the potential impact of a significantly stronger U.S. dollar on the company's operations and capital structure, particularly in markets with floating currencies like Jamaica.

    Answer

    CEO Balan Nair noted that with over 70% of business in U.S. dollars or pegged currencies, the company's exposure is limited, though he acknowledged potential risk from tariffs on imported equipment. CFO Christopher Noyes specified that the main floating currencies are in Jamaica and Costa Rica, which have been relatively stable. He also confirmed the company uses forward hedging strategies to manage currency mismatches where possible.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Latin America Ltd (LILA) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan inquired about potential tailwinds for the Liberty Networks business from increased data center and hyperscaler activity in the region, and also asked about any political or regulatory risks or opportunities arising from the situation in Venezuela.

    Answer

    CEO Balan Nair and executive Ray Collins responded, identifying Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico as key data center opportunities. Ray Collins highlighted that their new subsea network is specifically designed to connect hyperscale data centers in Mexico to the US and Colombia. Regarding Venezuela, Balan Nair stated that while they monitor the situation and serve some customers there, they have no current plans to enter the market directly, though they remain opportunistic about dislocated markets like Venezuela and Argentina for the long term.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Media Corp (FWONK) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Media Corp (FWONK) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan asked about strategies to better monetize the massive social media engagement, especially from younger fans with shorter attention spans who may not watch full races.

    Answer

    CEO Stefano Domenicali described a long-term strategy of 365-day-a-year engagement to build a new revenue stream over time. CEO Derek Chang added that the goal is to build a complete ecosystem where social media engagement, while not always directly monetized, drives value by leading fans to other commercial touchpoints like merchandise, race attendance, or other F1 experiences.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Media Corp (FWONK) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan of Benchmark asked how Formula One plans to better monetize its growing younger audience, who engage with short-form social content rather than full-length linear broadcasts.

    Answer

    Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali explained the strategy is to build a 365-day ecosystem, tailoring content to diverse consumer habits. Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang elaborated that not every touchpoint needs direct monetization. Social engagement acts as a top-of-funnel activity that drives fans toward other revenue streams like merchandise, race attendance, or influencing family and friends, thereby building the entire F1 universe.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Global Ltd (LBTYA) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Global Ltd (LBTYA) leadership • Q1 22025

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan of The Benchmark Company asked about the strategy to grow Formula E's value, similar to Formula One's success, and inquired about potential catalysts for monetizing 5G on the consumer side.

    Answer

    Executive Chairman Michael Fries explained that while Formula E is not trying to be Formula One, it is a 'rocket ship' focused on compelling racing and attracting a younger, diverse audience. On 5G, he reiterated that the primary monetization opportunity remains in the enterprise segment (network slicing, private networks), though the eventual move to standalone 5G could open more consumer possibilities over the long term.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Global Ltd (LBTYA) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan asked a conceptual question on whether the NetCo/ServCo split is designed to allow the ServCo to better participate in value creation from adjacent areas like fintech and entertainment.

    Answer

    Executive Michael Fries responded that it is a possibility. He believes the structure positions both the NetCo and ServCo to be more competitive long-term. A more agile ServCo can focus on driving services, while the NetCo becomes a sophisticated connectivity provider. While not a guaranteed solution to capture more value from the ecosystem, he stated the model 'bends that way' and could help make the next decade different from the last for the industry.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to WideOpenWest Inc (WOW) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to WideOpenWest Inc (WOW) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan questioned WOW!'s strategy for its existing HFC plant, its competitiveness against FTTH, and the company's plans and timeline for upgrading to DOCSIS 4.0.

    Answer

    CEO Teresa Elder described a dual strategy: building FTTH in greenfield markets while enhancing the legacy HFC network. She confirmed the entire footprint is on DOCSIS 3.1, offering 1.2 gig speeds, and that the company is on a selective, targeted path to DOCSIS 4.0. Elder emphasized that capital allocation for network evolution is driven by a robust financial model to ensure competitiveness and the best return on investment across all markets.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Broadband Corp (LBRDA) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Liberty Broadband Corp (LBRDA) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan asked about macro risks, including potential reductions in healthcare and fiber subsidies under a new administration, and GCI's resilience to an economic recession.

    Answer

    GCI CEO Ronald Duncan explained that Alaska's economy is often countercyclical due to its energy sector, which he sees having upside. He acknowledged Starlink will likely qualify for grants but believes fiber's capacity remains superior for large customers. Duncan also confirmed healthcare subsidies are material to results but stated the risk of significant changes from a pending Supreme Court case is low.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc (BATRA) leadership

    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc (BATRA) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan asked how the company monetizes modern fan engagement like social media and betting that may not translate to linear viewing, and also requested an update on international development efforts.

    Answer

    Executive Derek Schiller explained their strategy is to maximize content accessibility on all platforms, including robust social and short-form content, to meet fans where they are and convert that engagement. On international efforts, he noted the team's large global following from the TBS superstation legacy and highlighted the upcoming All-Star Game as a key opportunity to showcase the Braves to a worldwide audience.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc (BATRA) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan asked how the company is adapting to and monetizing new forms of fan engagement like social media and sports betting, which don't always translate to linear viewing, and also requested an update on the Braves' international development strategy.

    Answer

    Executive Derek Schiller explained their strategy is to maximize content accessibility across all platforms, including short-form content on social media, to meet fans where they are. On international development, he noted the team's large global following, a legacy of its superstation history, and highlighted the upcoming MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta as a key opportunity to showcase the brand to a worldwide audience.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc (BATRA) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan asked for commentary on the status of sports betting legalization in Georgia and the company's perspective on emerging media opportunities like AR, VR, and video games.

    Answer

    Executive Derek Schiller expressed frustration that sports betting is not yet legal in Georgia, reiterated the company's support for its legalization, and expressed hope for legislative action. On new media, Schiller acknowledged that the company is actively exploring opportunities in AR, AI, and other platforms to deliver unique content to fans, but stated they have no specific solutions or announcements at this time.

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    Matthew Harrigan's questions to Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc (BATRA) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Matthew Harrigan asked for commentary on the status of sports betting legalization in Georgia and from an MLB perspective. He also inquired about the company's strategy for the video game market and emerging technologies like AR and VR.

    Answer

    Executive Derek Schiller expressed frustration that sports betting is not yet legal in Georgia and reiterated the company's support for its legalization. On new media, Schiller acknowledged that the Braves and MLB are exploring opportunities in AR, AI, and other technologies to create unique content for fans, but stated they have no specific solutions or announcements at this time and are still evaluating the landscape.

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